ARS | Publication request: Developments in mycotoxin analysis: an update for 2007-2008

Submitted to: World Mycotoxin Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 4, 2008
Publication Date: February 1, 2009
Citation: Sheppard, G.S., Berthiller, F., Dorner, J.W., Krska, R., Lombaert, G.A., Malone, B., Maragos, C.M., Sabino, M., Trucksess, M., Whitaker, T.B. 2009. Developments in mycotoxin analysis: an update for 2007-2008. World Mycotoxin Journal 2:3-21. .

Interpretive Summary: Mycotoxin contamination of food and feed threatens their safety and requires the continual development of analytical methods to monitor its presence and conduct the research necessary to eliminate or manage it. The latest developments in mycotoxin analysis and sampling are reviewed and include aflatoxins, alternaria toxins, cyclopiazonic acid, fumonisins, ochratoxin, patulin, trichothecenes, and zearalenone. A rise in the number of LC-MS methods is demonstrated as well as the development of alternative and rapid methods. Implementation of many of these methods will improve the ability of scientists and regulators to manage the threat posed by mycotoxins.

Technical Abstract: This review highlights developments in mycotoxin analysis and sampling over a period between mid-2007 and mid-2008. It covers the major mycotoxins aflatoxins, alternaria toxins, cyclopiazonic acid, fumonisins, ochratoxin, patulin, trichothecenes, and zearalenone. Some aspects of natural occurrence, particularly if linked to novel aspects of analytical methods, are also included. The review demonstrates the rise of LC-MS methods, the continuing interest in developing alternative and rapid methods and the modification of well-established mycotoxin analytical methods by individual laboratories to meet their own requirements.